Tuncurry’s Harry Elliot Oval hosts the clash between NSW Country and the Queensland Rangers next Saturday and, despite the absense of local players, Hawks president Paul Tycehurst was thrilled.

“It’s a big buzz for us,” he said.

“[Forster Tuncurry Hawks] put in for [the right to host the game], and it should be a fair game with the talent on show. I know our people are pretty excited.”

Despite boasting former Roosters winger Brent Grose, Rabbitohs forward Stuart Webb, former Eels and London Broncos utility Dennis Moran, the home team is up against it.

Country will face North Queensland Cowboys young gun Sam Faust and a backline packed with Qld Cup experience – Hayden Allsop, Mathew Templeman, Jim Ahmat and Justin McKay.

But Country are made up of five players from the powerful Newcastle region, and five from the Illawarra.

One of them is Shellharbour winger Jarek Coebel, who partnered Wendell Sailor during his 2008 stint that led to the suburb’s temporary name change – Dellharbour.If Coebel took sledging tips from his Dellness, his opposite Hayden Fisher is in for an earful.

But that subplot and all the others would be unfolding elsewhere, Tycehurst said, but for the grandstand opened last year.

“We wouldn’t have got this game without the grandstand and the new facilities. The dressingrooms are really good now,” he said.

“At Port [Macquarie] on the weekend the [league tag] girls were asked to change in a women’s toilet. We’re in a better position with facilities than a lot of country towns.”

Tycehurst expected a crowd of around 2000 to watch the firsts, under 16s and 18s games, though the Country Rugby League gets to keep the money raised from ticket sales.

“But we’ll be able to sell food and raffle tickets, which is a real bonus for us,” he said.

“Plus there’s a lot of visitors coming to town and stimulating the economy.”

The Saturday July 11 program starts with the U16s at midday, 18s at 1.30pm and seniors at 3.